New York comedian comes to Pajama Factory

ALYSSA MANEVAL

Sun-Gazette Correspondent

Some New York comedy will be coming to the Pajama Factory as a way to raise money for South Youth Football and Cheer.

Jason Andors, who appeared on and associate-produced Showtime’s White Boyz in the Hood, is headlining the 7 p.m. Saturday comedy show, which will be held at Clearstory. Doors open at 6 p.m. Food trucks will be on site and a cash bar will be available.

Audience members can expect “a dysfunctional New York comedian,” he said.

“I still can’t explain what my style of comedy is,” Andors said. “It’s a total mix of everything together because of the way I grew up in public schools in New York City with all ethnicities, gay and straight people. I’m comfortable around everybody.”

However, one thing he can promise is an edgy show.

“Most of the time, I work pretty edgy,” Andors said. “I just try to be myself. I’m not a mean crazy guy. I have an edgy personality. It’s edgy in an organic way. It doesn’t feel mean.”

A self-proclaimed “chameleon of comedy,” he first tested out his comedy chops in 1993 at a talent show for the funniest college student.

“I was looking for a way to get into comedy,” Andors said. “I wrote some jokes down for about 6 months to prepare for a 6-minute set and then I looked for an excuse to try it out. Even though I wasn’t in college, I ended up winning the contest.”

Getting paid to do comedy took another six years, but the money isn’t the most rewarding part of comedy.

“No matter how bad you think your career is, whenever you’re on stage and the crowd is laughing at you. That’s really rewarding because whatever you’re working hard on, you know the talent is there and no one can stop that on stage,” Andors said.

Even during the struggle of trying to make it as a comedian, he said making people laugh is the most rewarding part.

“You get addicted to the high of making people laugh,” Andors said. “You don’t hear a lot of comedians quitting to do a regular job.”

After so many years in the business, his favorite moment as a comedian was performing Showtime at the Apollo.

“It was always a classic TV show and known to be the hardest stage to perform on because it’s in the middle of Harlem, an all black audience, plus you have to be squeaky clean,” Andors said. “Doing the Apollo 6-minute set on national television and if you do badly, they’ll still air it and humiliate you.”

However, instead of being humiliated, he got a standing ovation.

“I just felt great afterwards,” Andors said. It was a big relief.”

To purchase tickets for the fundraiser comedy show, call 570-916-6615.